How can patterns and trens in age inequality be explained?

Question 1

what 3 perspectives can inequality be looked at from?

Answer 1

• conflict
• consensus
• social action

Question 2

what do conflict theorists always focus on when explaining the cause for inequality?

Answer 2

they focus on the structural causes such as the needs of capitalism/patriarchy.

Question 3

what don’t social action theorists look for, when explaining the causes of inequality?

Answer 3

the macro reasons

Question 4

what type of approach do social action theorists take when explaining the causes of inequality?

Answer 4

a micro approach

Question 5

what is part of social action theorist’s micro approach?

Answer 5

• looking for the many things that affect life chances

Question 6

what do consensus theories focus on as the cause of inequality? why?

Answer 6

• that inequality can be the ‘victim’s fault’

- because consensus theorists believe maintaining social order is important for society

Question 7

For what do consensus theories believe the old and young face inequality? give an example of this inequality.

Answer 7

• because they don’t have the necessary skills that others have
• e.g. young people less likely to be paid highly because they deserve less money as they have fewer skills

Question 8

What do New Right theorists think inequality is the result of? Give an example relating to age!

Answer 8

• Cultural causes

- They blame youth unemployment on a whole generation by calling them lazy

Question 9

What does Parsons believe that the norms and values of certain age groups can do? give examples!

Answer 9

threaten social stability, e.g. rebellious youth and dependent elderly

Question 10

Which 2 sociologists focus on youth being a time for people to grow up and learn their new adult roles?

Answer 10

Parsons & Eisenstadt

Question 11

What did Parsons & Eisenstadt say about the period of youth?

Answer 11

• it’s a time for people to grow up and earn their new adult roles which are important for society’s stability.

Question 12

what does parson’s view on the function of youth help to explain?

Answer 12

even though some youth behave in a dysfunctional way to society, this can allow for a more integrated society later

Question 13

How does young people experimenting with deviant activities lead to functional adults?

Answer 13

• institutions in society set up to deal with deviance

- they show young people how to behave leading to those kids becoming functional adults

Question 14

what does parsons and Eisenstadt both say about elderly people and any supposed inequality in age?

Answer 14

age groups learn new roles that lead to further cohesion and solidarity in society e.g. elderly = source of childcare

Question 15

do cummings and henry take a conflict or consensus approach to explaining age inequality?

Answer 15

consensus

Question 16

what age group do cummings and henry look specifically at?

Answer 16

the elderly

Question 17

what is cummings and henry’s disengagement theory?

Answer 17

• with ageing, people’s abilities deteriorate
• as this happens, there’s a mutual need for society and old person, to be relieved of some of their roles and responsibilities

Question 18

who talks about disengagement theory?

Answer 18

Cummings and Henry

Question 19

what do functionalists think about disengagement theory?

Answer 19

• functionalists realise that people leaving their role in society leaves a gap to be filled to keep social stability
• disengagement helps to manage that possible social instability

Question 20

give an example of a managed disengagement?

Answer 20

Having a retirement age allows a managed disengagement , letting others take on the roles that old people cant fulfil anymore.

Question 21

what is a common critique of functionalist and consensus views?

Answer 21

• they assume homogeneity when looking at society and inequality
• not all old people deteriorate at the same age or at all

Question 22

what do critics say that consensus theories ignore by always looking at the happy stuff?

Answer 22

• that not all old people can take on a new role and stay happy
• not all youth will leave deviance behind!